Prominent cross-benchers are calling for changes to Australian lotteries as the parliament prepares to consider reforms for gambling advertising.

Despite taking a higher proportion of low income family wages, lotteries have been carved out of any future changes.

For decades lotto has been billed as a ticket to dream, but it’s almost never the reality.

“It really is a problem when you are allowed to go into debt – and it is addictive,” Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah, said. 

Steggall wants changes to laws to restrict foreign lotteries and prevent tickets being bought with credit cards.

“I think there is a question about social licence – what is your contribution back to Australian society for what you are sucking out of it,” she said.

A recent Parliamentary report recommended changes to gambling laws, but specifically instructed “these measures have no adverse consequences for lotteries”

“It’s very hard to do a lot of damage with Lotto. Lotto is at the very soft end of gambling,” Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate, Tim Costello, said.

That same report, championed by late Labor MP Peta Murphy, is at the heart of current debate about sports betting advertising.

“Just for once today, just for once, put the future of our kids first. Put the future of our kids first. I am begging you,” Senator Jacqui Lambie said. 

Betting companies argue they provide funding for clubs, leagues and media outlets showcasing sport throughout Australia. 

With an all out ban threatening the viability of free to air sports broadcasting and thousands of jobs across multiple industries, the government is eyeing a more targeted approach.

“We want to make sure any measures do not have unintended consequences,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Meanwhile, The Greens are prepared to wait – and will attempt to amend existing bills to ban all gambling ads.

“It’s time we stopped advertising for gambling,” Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

With a multi-billion dollar industry at stake, discussion continues.